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Not all faculty members are pictured.
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JCHS thanks our synagogue partners for your support!
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GRADUATES
2014 Y12Y
Tal Barzeski 1329 Mettler Road, Huntingdon Valley 19006
Lower Moreland HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: I plan on going to Temple University and majoring in pharmacy. SHORT SUMMARY: JCHS has taught me so much. It has helped me to continue learning about my Jewish religion. I liked being in the Knesset class, and I liked planning different activities to help the students enjoy their time at JCHS. I also liked being in the education class and learning about how to teach in the most effective way. I will miss my teachers at JCHS along with the friends I have made.
Brandon Israel Bell 537 Pond View Drive, Rydal 19046
Abington Senior HS
Certificate of Merit Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: I plan on going to college and major in religious studies and minor in business. SHORT SUMMARY: It is unfortunate I only got to attend JCHS for one year. I learned so much about myself and about Jewish communities all over the world. My favorite class was either the Tanach or Israel Seminar. Both classes are right up my alley. My advice to future students is enjoying your time at JCHS and take advantage of everything they have to offer.
Cidney Blair Cardonick 1446 Schirra Drive, Ambler 19002
Upper Dublin HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: I plan to attend University of Delaware. SHORT SUMMARY: I enjoyed spending time with all my teachers: Oded, Rita, Sunnie, and Gabby. They helped me learn about Jewish education, Judaism and myself.
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Marley Aviva Chertok 1407 Wexford Circle, West Chester 19380
JCHS Diploma Mandell/Online
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Temple University SHORT SUMMARY: My time at Gratz JCHS has been valuable in shaping my Jewish identity. I hope that all Gratz students can cherish their high school years at Gratz in the same way I did. I owe Gratz and teachers so much more than a “thank you” as I come to a close of my senior year. While I’m sad to leave the JCHS community, my experiences will always be a vibrant memory.
Carly Cherwony 7913 Jenkintown Road, Cheltenham 19012
Cheltenham HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Majoring in Biobehavioral Studies with minors in Global Health and Sociology at Penn State University SHORT SUMMARY: My favorite subjects at Gratz were Spirituality with Gabby and Reform Judaism with Rita. In Spirituality I was able to explore multiple avenues of faith and gauge my relationship to Judaism through text and alternative materials. In Reform Judaism Rita spoke openly about her experiences in life and the Jewish Community and engaged our class in really interesting debates. One of my favorite memories was when Rita took my class up to the library to discuss tattoos and interfaith marriage.
Emmy C. Cohen 321 Gerard Avenue, Elkins Park 19027 Cheltenham
HS
Community Teaching certificate & JCHS Diploma; Youth Leadership Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: American University SHORT SUMMARY: Gratz JCHS helped me to explore Judaism, Israel, and Hebrew. Some of my favorite memories from JCHS are when I went to AIPAC in 2013 and 2014. I enjoyed spending my Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings with my friends at JCHS.
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Hunter Cohen 152 Laurie Lane, Philadelphia 19115
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
Julie R. Cohen 321 Gerard Avenue , Elkins Park 19027
Cheltenham HS
Community Teaching Certificate & JCHS Diploma; Youth Leadership Certificate Mandell/Online
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Muhlenberg College SHORT SUMMARY: My time at JCHS has been amazing. I have made great friends and learned from wonderful teachers. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to take fascinating classes and participate in meaningful events. JCHS has helped me become the person that I am today.
Julia Rose Cooperstein 54 Barbara Lane, Havertown 19083
Haverford HS
Certificate of Merit
Food for Thought at Temple Sholom
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: West Chester University majoring in Early Education and Special Education
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Kieran DiCovny Cottrill P.O. Box 622, Yardley 19067
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Beth El
Noah Eli Elkins 742 Cornerstone Lane, Bryn Mawr 19010
Certificate of Merit
Western Branch/Food for Thought at Temple Sholom PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Attend University SHORT SUMMARY: My Favorite classes at Gratz where, without a doubt, Jewish Playwrights, which turned into an outrageous fun improv comedy group and my class with Barnett where only 2 people, Jacob Levitan, Barnett and I, discussed the Book of Exodus for historical accuracy. I also enjoyed studying Hebrew and Yiddish, although I was never very good at them because I was able to merge my passion for languages with my own cultural heritage, which is something quite unique that I think Gratz can do. To future graduates: Enjoy yourselves and find meaning in your classes – weeknight as highschoolers are not great hours, but you’ll learn to love it. And to fellow graduates: you all are great friends, and I loved spending time with you all!
Justin Robert Fields 2010 Fairmount Drive, Jamison 18929
Central Bucks HS
Community Teaching Certificate & JCHS Diploma Mandell/Ohev Shalom
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Going to college, most likely Penn State University SHORT SUMMARY: My Gratz experience was a positive one. My favorite subject was Hebrew and my favorite teacher was Rita Appel. A memory I have specifically is making latkes with my class during Hanukkah.
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Rachel Fishman 935 Pine Valley Circle, Rydal 19046 MA
Abington Senior HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Lehigh University SHORT SUMMARY: I learned a lot about being a good teacher. I look forward to using these skills throughout my life. I enjoyed furthering my Jewish education with my friends.
Madeline Kate Fortin 890 Bainbridge Drive, West Chester 19382
Bayard Rustin HS
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Kesher Israel
SHORT SUMMARY: My five years at the Kesher Israel branch of JCHS have been great. I’ve kept my friends from Hebrew School and have been able to make new ones at JCHS. My art classes with Ms. Deb always brightened my Sunday nights. I want to thank Rabbi Michael for teaching me so much about studying text and for always providing such interesting conversation topics. Lannie has been an amazing leader and role model for me. I appreciate everything she does for our branch and for our Knesset. I want to thank her for everything she has taught me and for providing delicious snacks every week! Thank you to my family and teachers for giving me such a wonderful experience at JCHS.
Oliver Samuel Fox 105 Pinetree Lane, Plymouth Meeting 19462
Germantown Friends HS
Community Teaching Certificate & JCHS Diploma Western Branch
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Oberlin College SHORT SUMMARY: I was the first seventh grader ever at the Western Branch. I started two months before my Bar Mitzvah. Hanukah is always lots of fun. I enjoyed being part of Knesset.
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Thomas Cyril Glass 3364 Manor Road, Huntingdon Valley 19006
Lower Moreland HS
Community Teaching Certificate & JCHS Diploma Mandell/Online
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: College SHORT SUMMARY: JCHS has been a major part of my life for the past five years. I have enjoyed my classes thoroughly, and I realize how much I have learned about so many different topics. My participation in Food for Thought and the Knesset have made this more than an ordinary educational experience. I want to thank all of my excellent teachers for their memorable instructions, and especially Ruth Schapira, Ari Goldberg, Debbie Simons, Jacques Lurie, Julie Sinyakova, Luba Pridachin and the rest of the wonderful staff at Gratz for all of their help and support throughout my years at JCHS.
Glen Z. Goldinger 118 Marita Street, Philadelphia 19116
Central HS
Shalem Honor Society Certificate; Community Teaching Certificate & JCHS Diploma; Service Learning Certificate; Youth Leadership Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAER: Drexel University SHORT SUMMARY: My time at JCHS has been amazing! I loved having classes with Rita, and Asaf. They always bring up the most interesting conversations. Asaf led very interesting and insightful classes, and I would recommend them to anyone. Also, Gratz gave me the opportunity to go to AIPAC and represent them.
Geneva GoldsTein 260 Charles Street, Southampton 18966
William Tennent HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Bloomsburg University, majoring in psychology, minoring in American sign language. SHORT SUMMARY: My favorite teacher is Rita. She always made me happy b/c of how her personality blossoms. I also like the staff here at Gratz since they are all so friendly.
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Joshua Howard Graff 1412 Ringneck Loop, Dresher 19025
Upper Dublin HS
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Temple Sinai
Sharon Rachel Greenblatt 854 Winter Road, Jenkintown 19046
Abington HS
Shalem Honor Society; Community Teaching Certificate & JCHS Diploma; Service Learning Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Attend the University of British Columbia with intent of majoring in computer science.
Daniel Bryan Grossman 6713 Pickwick Drive, Bensalem 19020
Bensalem HS
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Beth El
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Will be a senior, but plan to major in political science/ government in the future. SHORT SUMMARY: My favorite subject was the one about Jewish sports stars. My favorite teachers have been Mr. Simon, Rabbi Gruenberg, Rita and Shira. A message to future students of JCHS is to make the most of your experience because it’s gonna be one long ride.
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Sydney Michelle Halberstadt 1900 Gibson Drive, Hatboro 19040
Upper Moreland HS
Community Teaching Certificate & JCHS Diploma; Service Learning Certificate; Certificate in Hebrew language studies; Youth Leadership Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: to go to college for music education.
Andrew Joshua Hirsh 208 Sycamore Avenue, Merion Station 19066
Lower Merion HS
Certificate of Merit Western Branch
Brian Daniel Hirsh 208 Sycamore Avenue, Merion Station 19066
Lower Merion HS
Community Teaching Certificate & JCHS Diploma; Certificate in Hebrew language Studies; Service Learning Certificate Western Branch
SHORT SUMMARY: Gratz JCHS gave me a wonderful opportunity to connect with my Jewish friends outside of school.
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Maya Pratt Hyman 1022 Melrose Avenue, Elkins Park 19027
Cheltenham HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Attend college, however haven’t decided where yet. SHORT SUMMARY: My JCHS experience has been very positive and enjoyable. It is hard for me to pick out specific subjects and teachers that were my favorites since they were all phenomenal. However, I did really enjoy the Knesset class and my Education class and Rita was one of the most upbeat, fantastic teachers I had. From attending Hanukkah parties planned by the Knesset class, to learning different teaching techniques, to winning the JCHS Award for general Excellence in all Studies, I had an overall very positive experience.
Rachel Emily Jacobs 4620 Acton Court, Bensalem 19020
Bensalem HS
JCHS Diploma; Youth Leadership Certificate; Certificate in Hebrew Language Studies Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: To attend a 4-year university to study music therapy and earn a “Bachelor of Music” degree. SHORT SUMMARY: I have had a great 5 years at JCHS Gratz. I’ve enjoyed my time being a part of Knesset and in my many classes. I wish everyone the best in their future!
Benjamin Zachary Kaltz 209 Red Maple Court, Chalfont 18914
Central Bucks HS South
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Temple University, bioengineering. SHORT SUMMARY: JCHS has been an amazing experience throughout the past 5 years of my life. I have met and have become friends with so many great people along the way. I have learned so many things about Judaism, and about life. Some of my favorite teachers (and classes they taught) are Dr. Asaf Romirowsky, Mrs. Rita Appel, Mr. Marc Bluestein (Blue), and other countless individuals who have made such an impression on me. I would encourage really Jewish teens to “try out” JCHS Gratz not only because of not only the excellent education and learning opportunities, but the overall experience. I had some really amazing times, and I hope more teens will love and have the time of their lives too.
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Skyler Gregory Kohn 47 Windmill Drive, Holland 18966
Community Teaching Certificate & JCHS Diploma; Service Learning Certificate Mandell/Ohev Shalom
Leslie Levin 521 Shoemaker Road, Elkins Park 19027
Cheltenham HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Temple University SHORT SUMMARY: JCHS gave me the opportunity to interact with other young Jewish people that helped me build my own Jewish identity.
Shara Jill Levine 1726 Polo Run Drive, Yardley 19067
Pansburry HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Ohev Shalom
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Attending Penn State in the fall.
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Jacob S. Levitan 430 Williams Road, Wynnewood 19096
Lower Merion HS
JCHS Diploma; Certificate in Hebrew Language Studies Western Branch
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Washington University in St. Louis, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Russian studies. SHORT SUMMARY: Gratz JCHS gave me an opportunity to not only connect with Jewish friends, but also made me more religiously, culturally, and politically aware.
Benjamin Aaron Levy 566 Heritage Oak Drive, Yardley 19067
Pennsbury HS
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Beth El
SHORT SUMMARY: Remember kids, this is the best years of your lives. Cherish them, worship them and most importantly, study for JCHS. I enjoyed the class “Jews in Sports” by a favorite, but no longer present teacher Mr. Simon. The class taught me that maybe there are some Jewish athletes able to make it to the next level (there is hope!). If you learn one thing from this short summary it’s that you should not ask what Gratz can do for you, but what you can do for Gratz.
Jessica Lindenbaum 644 Rutherford Road, Huntingdon Valley 19006
Lower Moreland HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Majoring in psychology at Kutztown University SHORT SUMMARY: All of my teachers at Gratz are amazing: Oded, Rita, Sunnie, and Gabby. Gratz has taught me so much about Judaism, education, and myself.
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Lauren Beth Marks 3220 West Bruce Drive, Dresher 19025 Upper
Dublin HS
Shalem Honor Society; Community Teaching Certificate & JCHS Diploma; Certificate in Hebrew Language Studies; Youth Leadership Certificate Mandell/Online
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Temple University, School of Communications SHORT SUMMARY: One of my favorite classes was an all-female class taught by Terian Chertok. It gave me the opportunity to create better relationships with the students. I also enjoyed the youth leadership classes with Josh Landsburg; he helped me become a more confident and well-spoken young adult.
William Robert Miller 412 St Johns Circle, Phoenixville 19460
Phoenixville Area HS
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Kesher Israel
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: College SHORT SUMMARY: JCHS gave me a chance to become friends with other Jewish teens in an area that is not very Jewish. It has also taught me many invaluable things about the Jewish people.
Garrett Molowitz 2872 Normandy Drive, Philadelphia 19154
George Washington HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Community College of Philadelphia SHORT SUMMARY: My experience here was very fun. My favorite subjects were Hebrew with Rita and Education with Rabbi Erin.
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Samantha Michelle Morrow 510 Leopard Road, Berwyn 19312
Conestoga HS
Pre-Collegiate Certificate Kesher Israel
Morgan Elyse Neff 12011 Salina Place, Philadelphia 19154
Certificate of Merit; Certificate of Hebrew Language Studies; Youth Leadership Certificate Mandell
Brandon Eric Presser 3359 South Bryan Court, Bensalem 19020
Bensalem HS
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Beth El
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Attending either Bloomsburg or LSU with major in computer science. SHORT SUMMARY: JCHS has allowed me to connect with various Jewish teens that I can call friends. JCHS provides me with a unique experience that helped me further my education, along with my Jewish identity. As I transition to the college atmosphere, I will always be equipped with Judaic lessons and ideologies taught by Gratz.
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Marissa Danielle Reale 125 Addison Lane, Lansdale 19446
North-Penn HS
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Temple Sinai
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: College in Philadelphia area SHORT SUMMARY: Gratz has been a very important part of my life over the past couple years. I am going to miss looking forward to seeing my friends every Tuesday. I am excited to continue my Jewish involvement next year in college.
Eli David Sadoff 21 Providence Drive, Richboro 18954
Solebury HS
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Mandell/Beth El
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Binghamton University SHORT SUMMARY: I’ve very much enjoyed my time at JCHS. From learning Yiddish with Rabbi K. to learning the Bible with Rita. My classes have always been interesting. While it takes seven hours out of my week it is undoubtedly worth it. I’d like to especially thank Shira and Rabbi Gruenberg for teaching quite interesting classes and always being up for some discussions.
Alicia Zara Schapire 52 Cedar Hill Lane, Media 19063
Penncrest HS
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Western Branch
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Kara Schilder 284 Westwind Way, Dresher 19025
Upper Dublin HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEST YEAR: Hofstra University SHORT SUMMARY: My education class was my favorite experience at Gratz. I’ve already learned so much about myself and dealing with children.
Eli Phillip Segal 936 Dick Avenue, Warminster 18974
William Tennent HS
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Temple University
Jacob Ross Singer 748 Castlewood Drive, Dresher 19025 Upper
Dublin HS
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate; Service Learning Certificate Temple Sinai / ATID-Dresher
SHORT SUMMARY: I made a lot of great friends and learned a lot through my years at JCHS.
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Aaron Ross Smith 15 Crabapple Place, Newtown 18940
Tinicum Art & Science HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Ohev Shalom
Aaron Soloman 408 Greenwood Avenue, Wyncote 19095
Cheltenham HS
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Brandeis University SHORT SUMMARY: JCHS is a great way to continue your Jewish education as you get older
Erica Rose Strauss 100 Cardinal Road, Jenkintown 19046 Abington
Senior HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: College and major in political science. SHORT SUMMARY: Great memory of learning with my friends and being involved in expanding my Jewish education. I loved all of my teachers especially Rita and Rabbi Erin.
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Isaac Strauss 40 Timber Knoll Drive, Washington Crossing 18977
Reform Teaching Certificate Ohev Shalom
Sara Weinberg 1205 Duncan Drive, Dresher 19025
Upper Dublin HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Study economy/political science with a minor in Spanish. SHORT SUMMARY: A favorite subject was Yiddish with Rita. I loved learning about the culture my family comes from.
Noah Chase Weiner 10115 Verree Road, # 12-A, Philadelphia 19116
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
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Erika Winter 8230 Fairview Road, Elkins Park 19027
Cheltenham HS
Certificate of Merit; Pre-Collegiate Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Attending Widener University SHORT SUMMARY: My best memories were Rita’s class and Gabby’s class; and getting to hang out with friends from different places.
Aimee Wright 9286 Darlington Road, Philadelphia 19115
Julia R. Masterman HS
Reform Teaching Certificate Mandell
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Arcadia University SHORT SUMMARY: My favorite part of Gratz was my first year class with Rita. Everything was so open for conversation and fun. I made so many friends that I never would have met, and am so grateful for being here.
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May you go from strength to strength! Jill & Brian Rosen
Mazal Tov to the graduation class 2014! The JCHS Committee is so proud of you. Sara Levin
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Mazel Tov
Aimee
On a Spectacular Achievement Another Teacher in the Family
Love from Mom, Dad, Ross and Kovu
Maya Hyman,
Mazel Tov to
Brandon Bell “Jewish study is not a solitary endeavor, carried out by a lonely scholar in his cubicle. Once the Torah was brought down from heaven, the attainment of truth has been the responsibility of human beings, teaching and learning from each other.” – Richard N. Levy
Mazal Tov on your graduation from Gratz JCHS!
We are proud of our students who graduate from the Jewish Community High School of Gratz College. May you continue to teach others, to learn from others, and to fulfill your responsibility.
Love, Mom, Dad & Lia
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MAZEL TOV OLIVER SAMUEL FOX ON ALL OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND YOUR GRADUATION FROM GRATZ WE LOVE YOU AND ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. MOM, DAD AND HANNAH 2014
Jake Singer Mazal Tov! We are so proud of you and we love you! Mom, Dad, Alexa & Samantha Y49Y
Daniel Grossman Mazal Tov on your Gratz Graduation! Love, mom, dad & Melissa
Mazal Tov to
Mazal Tov
Eli Segal
Ben Levy!
on your accomplishment!
We are so proud of you & your commitment to completing 4 years at Gratz!
We love you, Mom, Paul, Eryn, Alex, Saba & Savta
Love, Mom, Rick, Ally, Sam & Mia Y50Y
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MAZAL TOV TO
ELI SADOFF CONGREGATION BETH EL YARDLEY
RABBI JOSHUA Z. GRUENBERG MARK FRIED- PRESIDENT KAREN LEWIN-EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR DEBORA BORENSTEIN- SYNAGOGUE DIRECTOR Y52Y
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Aaron Soloman
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Mazal Tov to
Brandon Israel! We are all so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments. We admire your commitment, hard work and dedication to your Jewish studies. The future is yours and we know you will conquer all of your dreams. We love you to the moon – Mom, Dad, Madison, Jordon, Utley and Brody. Y55Y
Honors our 2014-5774 Thomas Glass Glen Goldinger Morgan Neff
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Wishes……..Memories……….Hopes…………
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Wishes……..Memories……….Hopes…………
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